Here, LASN explores the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) advocacy efforts. This list that follows is a collection of legislation ASLA is currently advocating. All bills are accompanied by a description published by ASLA and edited for space.

Public School Green Rooftop Program
ASLA assisted Representative Nydia Vel??zquez (NY) in reintroducing the Public School Green Rooftop Program Act. This legislation is designed to help develop green roofs at public schools as they provide various economic, environmental, and public health benefits such as lower energy costs, water use, stormwater runoff, landfill waste, and building operating expenses. The legislation prioritizes projects that meet performance and national standards for green roofs including the Sustainable SITES Initiative.

Complete Streets Act
The national association supports the Complete Streets Act - introduced by Senator Edward Markey (MA) and Representative Steve Cohen (TN) - which would provide each state with funds for a grant program to plan and build multi-purpose streets that are safe for all users. In Dangerous by Design, a report by the ASLA, landscape architects were shown as more than qualified in the planning and developing streets as proper development can prevent the rising injuries and deaths of pedestrians as an urgent safety issue.

 
Continuation of the Arizona Board of Technical Registration
ASLA supported the Board of Technical Registration as it moved through the legislature to continue the Board for another two years. The bill was passed on June 18, 2024, before the deadline of July 1, 2024. However, the bill introduced changes to the Board's statutes that would narrow its ability to open and investigate complaints, yet an amendment was introduced in a push for a clean eight-year continuation but failed.

Protection for the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act is supported by the ASLA as it would provide continued and increased investments to improve water quality, transportation, recreation opportunities, habitat, and more in the Great Lakes region. ASLA supports the funding as it will protect and restore critical water systems while addressing climate change impacts, biodiversity, and environmental justice.

Reduce Licensure Costs
ASLA advocates for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act because it would help cover the costs associated with becoming a licensed landscape architect. 529 savings plans do not currently cover expenses related to postsecondary credentials yet the cost to obtain a license is about $3500 and another $750 yearly for continuing education. The costs covered would include LARE, continuing education, renewal fees, and more.

Nature-Based Solutions
ASLA is working with Representative Nikema Williams (GA) to pass the Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency (WISE) Act. The legislation would not only increase the practice of nature-based solutions to improve water management. It would also allow states to use portions of their Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for green infrastructure projects that address water and stormwater management issues.

Park Equity
Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Representative Nanette Barragan (CA) reintroduced the Outdoors for All Act to Congress. The bill will establish dedicated funding for the successful Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program within the National Park Service. The program will help fund project expenses for new parks, renovation of existing recreation facilities, and infrastructure supporting outdoor education within underserved communities.

Living Schoolyards
Partnered with Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), the Living Schoolyards Act was reintroduced. ASLA supports this bill because it would help transform elementary and secondary schools' outdoor spaces into hands-on environments with educational opportunities. Further, the measure would provide planning and installation grants to reshape schoolyards.

Reduce Urban Heat
Senator Brown (OH) and Representative Gallego (AZ) are working with the ASLA to pass the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act. This legislation calls for nature-based solutions like shade trees, green roofs, and porous surfaces to reduce temperatures in communities nationwide.

Biodiversity Crisis
ASLA is working to pass the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, which would provide funding to safeguard and enhance national biodiversity through proactive efforts. Introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (NM) and Thom Tillis (NC), this bipartisan legislation will provide $1.3 billion in annual federal funding to state and territorial wildlife agencies to implement their Wildlife Action Plans.
This investment will create new opportunities for landscape architects to drastically increase the conservation and protected land areas of more than 17,000 at-risk species and wildlife habitats nationwide.